"Almost Out of the Hospital"

Nadine continued to exercise and do wonderful things. She picked up her chain maille. She took one of her other friends on the "tour" of the cave/tunnel underneath the hospital, and told me about an amazing painting on the wall down there -- it was eerie and fascinating with all the pipes etc. Visitors abounded -- Sue Klassen, Lois Zendarski from Franklinville with her long-haired horse-riding daughters April and Holly, Jane Knoeck again (always welcome any time), Dr. Korona, who might have modeled Nadine's pink hat.

I went to the Thursday get-together for parents of children with cancer. I had resisted it, feeling I had plenty of support -- now that Nadine was almost ready to get out, I felt the need to know others who were also dealing with children or teens with cancer. I wasn't disappointed. There were tears, laughter, many stories, solidarity; I met one family who I hope to see afterwards. And I was relieved to learn I wasn't the only parent who had needed to "stand up to" a medical situation that they didn't agree with.

The wound specialist came by to change Nadine's dressing (from the removed port) and teach me how to do it. She seemed like a professor, thorough and articulate. I watched and videoed -- although it was pretty "involved", I know I'll be able to do fine if I need to (the visiting nurse will probably be there for most of them).

On Thursday night, Erek invited me to watch a movie with him and Nadine on the computer. I settled next to him, and the three of us watched together -- it was a sweet movie, and a sweet time together. I felt I had been invited into their world, and accepted with much pleasure. Afterwards, Nadine said she was going to pack up her "wall", the beautiful display of cards, pictures, notes, artwork etc. that had graced her wall. I had wanted to take more photos or video of it, but even I (sometimes) know when to keep my mouth shut.

We took pictures that day and the next of many of the nurses and other people we'd met. Eric the social worker came by and Nadine and I each hugged him. I didn't have time to talk to frieinds -- we were packing, and I visited with the visiting nurse coordinator, the nurse for instructions on discharge activities, medications, when to the call the hospital, and on and on.

Although Nadine and I were both nervous about how we'd handle the discharge, the healing incision, how to figure out if or when we needed to call about a medical problem, the time was coming to leave.

As it got closer, nervousness gave way to excitement. It was almost time. It was only for three days, but it would be another adventure.